What are the consequences of musculoskeletal disorders for employees?
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can cause mild discomfort or pain at work and in everyday life in their early stages. At a more advanced stage, they have serious consequences for employees:
- Functional limitations
- Disabilities
- Absences
- Reduced capacity or inability to perform the job
- Withdrawal from work
What are the consequences of musculoskeletal disorders for companies?
For employers, the consequences of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are manifold.
On company performance
- Decreased productivity: Productivity decreases due to increased absenteeism related to MSDs, disorganization, and loss of skills.
- Social climate: A poor social climate can develop, making it difficult to retain employees and recruit new talent.
On company costs
- Reduction in activity: A reduction in activity leads to a decline in value production.
- Increase in contributions: In the event of an accident at work or occupational illness due to an MSD, the company's contribution rate may increase.
What are the consequences of MSDs by sector of activity?
There are six sectors of activity that are particularly affected by musculoskeletal disorders: transport and logistics, commerce, agri-food, construction and public works (C&P), cleaning, metallurgy, and personal care.
Together, these six sectors account for 35% of recognized work-related musculoskeletal disorders in France. Let's look at the impact of MSDs on these different sectors:
Impact of MSDs in the transport and logistics sector
MSDs account for 95% of occupational illnesses
Workplace accidents due to back pain: 15%
Annual cost of MSDs: €73 million
Number of working days lost: 860,000
Impact of MSDs in the retail sector
Share of MSDs in occupational diseases: 98%
Workplace accidents due to back pain: 17%
Annual cost of MSDs: $113 million
Number of workdays lost: 1.5 million
Impact of MSDs in the agri-food sector
Share of MSDs in occupational diseases: 97%
Workplace accidents due to back pain: 10%
Annual cost of MSDs: €77 million
Number of working days lost: 930,000 days
Impact of MSDs in the construction and public works sector
Proportion of MSDs in occupational illnesses: 91%
Workplace accidents due to back pain: 10%
Annual cost of MSDs: €186 million
Number of working days lost: 1.8 million days
Impact of MSDs in the cleaning sector
Proportion of MSDs in occupational diseases: 97%
Workplace accidents due to back pain: 10%
Annual cost of MSDs: €77 million
Number of working days lost: 440,000 days
Impact of MSDs in the personal care and assistance sector
Proportion of MSDs in occupational diseases: 95%
Workplace accidents due to back pain: 20%
Annual cost of MSDs: €160 million
Number of working days lost: 2.3 million days